Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu dies of influenza-induced pneumonia at 48

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely acclaimed in the Mandarin-speaking world, has died of influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family holiday in Tokyo, local media reported Monday. She was 48.

Hsu, known by her nickname "Big S," rose to fame as the romantic lead in the 2001 Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden," dubbed into various languages across Asia. The story originated from the Japanese manga series "Boys Over Flowers" (Hana yori Dango).

File photo shows Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu during an event in Taipei in March 2010. (AP/Kyodo)

Taiwan media reports cited Barbie Hsu's sister, talk show hostess Dee Hsu, confirming the death and saying in a statement that she was "grateful to be her sister in this life" and she "will always be grateful to her and miss her."

Barbie Hsu is survived by her husband of nearly three years, Korean rapper Koo Jun Yup, known as "DJ Koo," and her two children from her previous marriage to mainland Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.

Hsu had previously revealed that she had a history of mitral valve prolapse and epilepsy, according to reports. She had traveled to Japan during the weeklong Lunar New Year holidays.

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